Dinning Solo

[Pinkdiamond816]

I'm considering a solo trip this Jan.....:eek:
I love traveling by myself and spent 3 months in Europe doing just that with out a problem.
I've also had "mini-solo" trips to WDW, meaning Ive spent an extra day or two by myself and had a great time.
I know I would have a lot of fun going solo, but one thing that worries me is eating by myself. I always feel like people are feeling sorry for you.
Can some friendly disers share some stories or advice on eating at resturants. I'd have no problem at the CS places, but I want to enjoy some TS while I'm there too!
Has anyone done meal time meetups with other disers? How are those experiences?
What TS places would you really recommend for a solo?

Thanks everyone!
Jessica

[suzycute]

I went solo in 2006 and had a great time. I was on free dining and ate at Le Cellier, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Boma, Crystal Palace and Concouse Steakhouse - I had a great time. I took a book and my journal to write up my experiences of the day whilst I was eating / between courses - I never thought anyone felt sorry for me and it was fine. Just doing what I wanted to so when I wanted to do it (rather than negotiate with my kids who were too hot / tired / cranky) was great.

I loved being on my own so much at WDW that I have now bought 100 SSR points to spend a week off season in a studio every year on my own BUT . . . . somehow the family seemed to have invited themselves along for the next few trips!!

[buena vista]

I'm considering a solo trip this Jan.....:eek:
I love traveling by myself and spent 3 months in Europe doing just that with out a problem.
I've also had "mini-solo" trips to WDW, meaning Ive spent an extra day or two by myself and had a great time.
I know I would have a lot of fun going solo, but one thing that worries me is eating by myself. I always feel like people are feeling sorry for you.
Can some friendly disers share some stories or advice on eating at resturants. I'd have no problem at the CS places, but I want to enjoy some TS while I'm there too!
Has anyone done meal time meetups with other disers? How are those experiences?
What TS places would you really recommend for a solo?

Thanks everyone!
Jessica

I think the most important consideration is what type of food you enjoy. Go where the menu most appeals to you. Then depending on where you are, you can occupy yourself with whatever makes sense for where you are - if you're at a quiet restaurant and feel self conscious about being on display, bring a journal and write about your experiences - the things you did and plan on doing and what you're feeling while you're there. If you don't journal, bring a good book and read. If you're at a busy place with entertainment (Germany, Morocco..), then just enjoy the show.

Last time I went solo, I tried Teppan Edo in Japan and loved it. The food is good, and the family style seating around the hibachi makes it easy for everyone to have a group conversation and share stories.

[Wild4Walt]

I agree, Teppan Edo is great for single travelers. It's really not evident to anyone but those at your table that you are on your own.

Really, the only meal that I feel would be hard as a solo is Ohana's. Not even because of the set up or others around me. I think it would be extremely difficult to eat all that food that they bring before the meal ( ie- salad, wontons, noodles ) I wonder if they scale it back a bit if you are on your own.

Maybe someone else would have a single experience there.

[Krissalee]

I have never done a solo trip - I can't keep DH from wanting to come along.:confused3

I have great fun with DH, but I would love to do a solo trip - do what I want to do, go at my own pace, etc.

That said, whenever I see a solo diner at a TS restaurant, I think, "Oh, good for you - enjoy your time solo at WDW! Suck up every minute of it and enjoy your good meal." Then, imagine, they can do whatever they want after that meal!:hippie:

[ILuvCrush]

I agree, Teppan Edo is great for single travelers. It's really not evident to anyone but those at your table that you are on your own.

Really, the only meal that I feel would be hard as a solo is Ohana's. Not even because of the set up or others around me. I think it would be extremely difficult to eat all that food that they bring before the meal ( ie- salad, wontons, noodles ) I wonder if they scale it back a bit if you are on your own.

Maybe someone else would have a single experience there.

I have an Ohana dinner ADR for my upcoming Solo Trip... I hope that they scale it back a bit...or I may not fit on the monorail to get to MNSSHP afterwards!!! I'm also guessing that they'll skip bringing me the shrimp...once I tell them I don't eat it:confused3 We'll have to see!!

Paula

[MMmomto5]

I'm taking my first solo trip next month and I thought I would just eat at cs places, but I decided to add a few table service meals today. I plan on staying two days without a break and the relaxation and air conditioning will be a break during my meals. I am still nervous about it, but I'm sure I'll get over it.:rotfl:

[Simba's Mom]

I'm considering a solo trip this Jan.....:eek:
I love traveling by myself and spent 3 months in Europe doing just that with out a problem.
I've also had "mini-solo" trips to WDW, meaning Ive spent an extra day or two by myself and had a great time.
I know I would have a lot of fun going solo, but one thing that worries me is eating by myself. I always feel like people are feeling sorry for you.
Can some friendly disers share some stories or advice on eating at resturants. I'd have no problem at the CS places, but I want to enjoy some TS while I'm there too!
Has anyone done meal time meetups with other disers? How are those experiences?
What TS places would you really recommend for a solo?

Thanks everyone!
Jessica
It took me several solo trips before I felt comfortable doing sit-down solo. But it didn't take long for me to realize that at TS you don't have the worry of finding a seat, like at CS resturants. I always bring a little notebook and pen so I can spend my time writing about where I've been, where I'm going, what/where I've eaten, etc. I'm probably in the minority as far as group dining is concerned, like Teppan Edo. The one time I did it, I got seated next to a teenaged girl who. like so many teenagers, thought she'd been sentenced to H*** by being seated next to a strange adult. My attempts to talk with her, ask her questions, were met with monosyllabic grunts. I recommend always telling them at check-in that you're solo and requesting a table with "something to look at". I've gotten great tables that way-Right next to the window at Chefs de France, next to the tank at Coral Reef, next to the window at California Grill. I also love character meals. You can easily "blend into the backround" where it's fun to watch the characters interacting with the little ones. And I loved Sci-Fi dine inn, where everyone is facing and watching the movies. It's like eating in front of the TV at home.

[stopher1]

I went solo for 4 days in Jan/Feb this year, and was on the dining plan, so ts each day. I didn't feel conspicuous or that anyone was feeling sorry for me at any meal. At Nine Dragons they did seat me near the middle of the room - but that was the only time. Every other restaurant was off to the side, by a window, etc. I just sad there reading a book and didn't let it bother me at all!

[Bete]

and I'm looking forward to it. I won't be bother one bit by dining solo at TS places. I'll be people watching myself. I may strike up a conversation with someone near by. You can always talk on your cell phone to someone back home if it really bothers you.

Just try it out and if you don't like it stick with CS or food courts. I think Teppan Edo is a good choice; since, you are grouped together. Another place is Biergarten. I think buffet places might be easier, too. You control the time you spend there; moreso, then a waiter serving you every course. You can cut time by not having an appetizer.

Dis meets are possible, too. Get your ressies and post and see what happens.

I'm determined to make solo trips work. I'm not going to sacrifice what I do, either.

[DisneydaveCT]

I have made several trips to WDW as a solo, and have always enjoyed my TS meals as a solo.

One solo TS meal I will never forget happened in September 2006. It was on that trip that I shot my first hole-in-one at the LBV golf course. After my round of golf, I went out to dinner at the Yachtman's. I savored a wonderful steak washed down with a most enjoyable cabernet. My waiter was as attentive to me as a solo as he was to his table of 8 near my table.

So go and enjoy your solo meals at WDW.

[wdw1972]

I've done solo trips (single mom) since my son was in kindergarten - he's 22 next week. We also did alot of family trips, but I never gave up the solo trips. Now I'm in a relationship, but his job takes him away from home for 5 consecutive months each year. I do 4 solo trips while he's gone, and we do "couple" trips while he's back. I'm lucky to have the best of both worlds, although I'd never give up the solo trips!

As for people "feeling sorry" for solo diners, I had to laugh at that (no offense meant). I seriously doubt anyone even notices me when I'm dining solo, and if they did it would be THEIR problem, not mine. I certainly don't need some stranger's approval to eat happily & comfortably solo at whatever restaurant I like. So, don't worry about what anyone who shouldn't have an opinion might think and just do what YOU want to do!:woohoo:

[Kyen]

Are buffets easy to do? I am not the clumsyest person around but I am sure clumsy!I would be worried about carrying all my stuff and knocking stuff over or just spilling my plate!

[Simba's Mom]

Are buffets easy to do? I am not the clumsyest person around but I am sure clumsy!I would be worried about carrying all my stuff and knocking stuff over or just spilling my plate!

OMG-I thought I was the only klutz afraid of doing that! My only hesitation about dining solo is at buffets. I'm always afraid that I'll klutz out, fall with a mighty "CRASH" and everyone will stare as my food goes flying. So for me, buffets aren't the most desirable meals. Also, when I get up to get my food, I'm reluctant to leave my backpack and valuables (well, probably only valuable to me) behind, so I tend to go up to the buffet carrying my backpack. Then on the way back, I'm juggling my backpack, full plate, and praying to myself,"Please don't trip".

[Bigbearsg]

All my trips to WDW or Dl have been solo. Last trip in Feb 08 I eat at the CP and it was very nice. I left my backpack at the table I feel safe doing that. Not hard to find my backpack my teddy bear rides in the back of it LOL. Buffet is easy just make your self one plate of food and take it back to your table and then go back for another one if you like. When making my ADR's I alway make it for two just in case I meet someone that would like to go with me. I figure table for one or two is just about the same they dont have tables that only sit one. I always have a great time talking to the CM so I never feel like am alone.

[DisCopper]

I always bring a little notebook and pen so I can spend my time writing about where I've been, where I'm going, what/where I've eaten, etc.

I swear I'm not mocking you, but that made me laugh. I spend the time on the iPhone... putting in notes, checking email (NOT work email), reviewing pictures, etc... I also look at the DIS boards if I can "steal" some Disney wireless (their passwords are usually fairly easy to figure out).

I just thought the whole notebook thing seemed "20th century..." LOL

[Simba's Mom]

I swear I'm not mocking you, but that made me laugh. I spend the time on the iPhone... putting in notes, checking email (NOT work email), reviewing pictures, etc... I also look at the DIS boards if I can "steal" some Disney wireless (their passwords are usually fairly easy to figure out).

I just thought the whole notebook thing seemed "20th century..." LOL

That's OK-come to think of it, I am kind of showing my age by that! DS spends his spare time looking at his Emails on his Blackberry.

[PaulaSB12]

If I really can't think of anything to do at a solo meal, I have my ipod (the 80gb one) its got nearly 200 audiobooks on it!!!!!!!!

[Lorenski]

I'm going to be doing some TS meals after a lot of soul searching. I have said, I would go, then I said I would just do counter service but after reading many threads here I have made up my mind finally to do some TS dining. :)

[PaulaSB12]

I'm going to be doing some TS meals after a lot of soul searching. I have said, I would go, then I said I would just do counter service but after reading many threads here I have made up my mind finally to do some TS dining. :)


Do ts meals its not scary its fun. Next september I am going to do the deluxe dining plan for 14 days. There will be 1 trip to the new dino resteraunt and one to Victoria and Albert's (yes I know neither on the plan but what the heck) so its breafast lunch and dinner (with starters on lunch and dinner)

[ANTSS2001]

I'm considering a solo trip this Jan.....:eek:
I love traveling by myself and spent 3 months in Europe doing just that with out a problem.
I've also had "mini-solo" trips to WDW, meaning Ive spent an extra day or two by myself and had a great time.
I know I would have a lot of fun going solo, but one thing that worries me is eating by myself. I always feel like people are feeling sorry for you.
Can some friendly disers share some stories or advice on eating at resturants. I'd have no problem at the CS places, but I want to enjoy some TS while I'm there too!
Has anyone done meal time meetups with other disers? How are those experiences?
What TS places would you really recommend for a solo?

Thanks everyone!
Jessica

Hi jess... I just got back from my so called 10 day solo trip... there are ADRS that I tagged along with other disers... But also did Solo dining.. I enjoyed the Wave ambience for solo ... plus it being in a convention type of location... Solo was a normal thing in the dining room... Also did Raglan road one to many times this trip solo because of the sticky toffee pudding :laughing: and that was fine... alot of solo diners were encountered too... and in my previous trip.. I tend to go do TS that has alot of activity going on... like for dinner at raglan road the singing on the table etc... it is nice to eat and watch at the same time... also Ohana is another place I enjoy solo.. since you are dining with cousins and Lipoa is very entertaining... and in my April Trip I did prime time solo and ended up with Aunt Becky (who made me fix all her tables...hahahaah everytime I eat and a family comes it she drops the silverware and stuff on my table for me to give it to the family....) and she made sure I never felt alone she was a riot... to make this comment short.. I think you will be OK at any WDW dining location.... esp'ly if you get a CM who is very much in character.:wizard: :wizard:

[Stacy's a freak]

... and in my April Trip I did prime time solo and ended up with Aunt Becky (who made me fix all her tables...hahahaah everytime I eat and a family comes it she drops the silverware and stuff on my table for me to give it to the family....) and she made sure I never felt alone she was a riot...

That IS hysterical! Great story.

[BellTinkR]

Hi there -

My experience has been that the wait staff takes extra special care of solo diners :thumbsup2 They will pause and chat with you and in general they are really friendly. You'll have a good time!

[perriwinkleblue]

I've never dined solo at Disney so I'm sure I don't have the best answers...but I did give it some thought. I think I'd be comfortable at buffets like Crystal Palace and Boma. Both have good food and so much activity that no one would notice if you were solo or not. They both are visually stimulating so you wouldn't be bored. If you enjoy watching kids, CP, 1900 Park Fare and even the Playhouse Disney buffet at Hollywood & Vine are fun. It's really cute and entertaining to watch the kids do their parades and dances.

Or, I'd go the other way and treat myself to a really nice restaurant that had an entree I wanted to try. I'd enjoy a glass of wine while I waited for my entree and revel in the solitude :rolleyes1 Ah, to be eating at a table where no one is drinking from a kid's cup...:rotfl:

[Pinkdiamond816]

Thanks for all your great input!
I'll be posting all my ressies this weekend in hopes there are a few disers who might want to meet up! (WS crawl anyone????)
Thanks again for the pep talk! I dine alone all the time in the city between classes and work and stuff, and I spent a long time in Europe by myself but I'm still having moments of freaking out thinking about being in Disney solo. I guess I just think of it as the place I go with my friends and family. But.....I'm really looking forward to eating where I want to eat and doing what I want to do!!!!!!!

~Jessica

[ANTSS2001]

Thanks for all your great input!
I'll be posting all my ressies this weekend in hopes there are a few disers who might want to meet up! (WS crawl anyone????)
Thanks again for the pep talk! I dine alone all the time in the city between classes and work and stuff, and I spent a long time in Europe by myself but I'm still having moments of freaking out thinking about being in Disney solo. I guess I just think of it as the place I go with my friends and family. But.....I'm really looking forward to eating where I want to eat and doing what I want to do!!!!!!!

~Jessica

looking forward to your adr's!!! :goodvibes :cloud9: popcorn::

[imsoscared]

you get those really amazing cm's time to time on solo trips who just truly make your day.

last solo trip was 7 nights of a whole lot of food eating and for the most part i never had any problems going solo at any ts. im there to enjoy myself and not care about what others around me could be thinking.
this upcoming solo trip is 5 nights, but only doing a few ts as it was a somewhat last minute trip and i couldnt get the primary resturants i wanted to hit this trip nor good times to go.

only 5 more days to go before i drive down!

[DisneyTN]

..but one thing that worries me is eating by myself. I always feel like people are feeling sorry for you.
They're probably too preoccupied to even pay attention. Doesn't matter what they think anyway. You're having a ball; enjoying your own vacation...so who cares. I've never felt sorry for other folks I've seen eating solo. Usually never pay it a second thought.

Just have fun. :)

[VolvoManiac850]

If you're flying solo you might want to eat at the Biergarten in Germany. You'll be placed at a table with other travelers, giving you some time to chat with folks from all over the world.